MAIN Home Life Pets Cats & Kittens Oriental

First seen in the West when they were brought to Britain from Siam (Thailand) in the 19th century, the Oriental is a close relative to the Siamese differing mainly only in coloring.

While the classic Siamese is most noted for its pointed colors and blue eyes, the Oriental has a generally solid-colored coat, in both shorthair and longhair versions, and with eyes that vary in color.

Like their close Siamese cousins, Orientals are sleek and elegant with strong constitutions that belie their slender, delicate appearance.

Behavior & Personality

Often described as more dog-like in their strong attachments to human companions, Orientals are not exactly low maintenance in terms of independence, and usually require lots of loving attention. They often get it, too, mostly through their unbounded energy and quick intelligence.

Orientals are quite vocal, so you never have to guess when food or attention are required!

Much preferring travel over staying home alone, Orientals are also one off the few breeds to adapt to a collar and leash for quiet strolls down the street.

Care & Health

Generally hearty and long-lived, Orientals do not require any special diet or grooming other than an occasional brushing, more often for longhair breeds. Overfeeding is a common result of their losing their long, sleek appearance, and frequent exercise is usually called for if only as a release for their energetic natures.

More about Orientals around the Web:

Oriental Cat Breed Profile - Excellent read with fine photos describing the Oriental cat's physical attributes and personality.

Grooming Tips : Oriental - Step-by-step guide to keeping coat and nails trim, with more details on getting Orientals fit for show judging, from the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Siamese and Oriental Cats Online Club - UK community with information, photo galleries, cats & kittens for sale classifieds, searchable database of breeders, suggested readings, show schedule, related resources.

Oriental Cats in the UK - Information on the breed's history & origin, personality & behavior, standards of points, photos illustrating various breeds, links to online Oriental cat clubs.